Construction on Ironton’s future multipurpose, open-air shelter will likely start at the first of next month.

Work on the Depot Square project is scheduled to begin around the first of October, said Ralph Kline, assistant director of the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization.

The shelter will be along Bobby Bare Boulevard near the former Austyn’s building.

The construction process, which is expected to last between 90 and 120 days, will also involve taking down some of the utilities in the area and putting them underground, Kline said.

At its regular meeting last month, the Ironton City Council passed an ordinance awarding bids for the project, which will be paid for by a Downtown Improvement Grant from the Ohio Department of Development and KYOVA Enhancement funding.

The winning bids are as follows: civil contract to Boone Coleman Construction for $201,867; electric contract to West End Electric Company for $215,138; and general contract to Portco Inc. for $410,000.

Kline said the completion of the project will depend on the weather and the utility company but the shelter should be opened in time for next year’s festival season.

“It’s just another piece of the overall puzzle the city is working on,” Kline said. “The community’s got a vision and are working towards it. I think the patience and the people continuing to work will ultimately pay off.”